I paced toward the home quietly with a large group from the temple come to pay their respects with me, each holding a paper lantern to light, each dressed in long black funeral robes. I had been given a suit with a bow tie to wear, black in color with a white under shirt. The tie hung loose, my shirt remained un-tucked and my appearance was an over-all mess. I’d slept about two hours in the past week, having spent too much time sitting in the silence, staring at a floor mat that would never be used again, listening to the steady thrumming of the heartbeat beside me. My spirit had attempted to comfort me in his own way, remaining silent as he followed me unusually close. When I sat, he pressed his side against mine and sat as well. When I moved, he followed at my heel. It was unusual for him, but I understand it; our souls, no matter how twisted and patched up, were the same. We felt the same things, it was only natural for him to feel the same grief I did. 

So, while I walked with the other monks and sages, Vajra paced behind me quietly, blue eyes straight ahead as the people around us murmured. I was not a friend to these people as far as they were concerned, despite my efforts to show them as much respect and kindness as possible. “Leon.” I turned toward the voice, stopping in my movement to turn and face the leopard I called Vajra. “Will I be able to come with you?” his voice was quieter than usual, he was making an effort to stay unheard. I turned and resumed my pace without answering. He knew the answer just as I did; he would not be wanted there. Neither would I. 

After thirty minutes of walking through the tunnels that connected the temple to the city, we began moving as a small unit through the city, straight through the buildings, following a path that lead to the center; a massive lake glittering with gems and crystals that sat at the bottom. A large bridge stretched the gap between the two shores of rock and glittering black sand. Our footsteps echoed on the dock noisily as we moved toward the large temple directly in the center of the water; the funeral home. There were already several people here, and it was then that I remembered this was not the only funeral being held in this place. There was another man, a friend of my master who had passed around the same time. His funeral would be hosted at the exact same time. “Leon.” I looked up at the sound of my name, this time meeting eyes with the head sage, whose green eyes were reproachful. “Sir.” I replied, my expression calm. “Your… spirit” he used the word grudgingly, “will not be allowed on these grounds. Do away with it before you enter.” With that, they turned and left. I was positive I’d heard murmurs about wishing I had been sent away as well. I turned toward the leopard and crouched, placing a hand on its large forehead. “Why do you want to come in?” 

“I wish to say farewell to a man who helped you when you needed it most.” He replied bluntly, catching me off guard. I stood for a long moment, looking into his eyes, flickering with the fire resting within. He returned my gaze. An emotion I couldn’t quite decipher lingered beneath the surface. “Come.” I spoke, turning and walking into the temple with Vajra following. The moment I entered the temple, I received glares and surprised looks; I’d never disobeyed an order before… at least not intentionally. “I thought I told you to leave that outside.” the head sage spat, standing in my path, between me and the immaculate box that contained the only man I’d ever respected beside my father. “That,” I pointed to Vajra. “Is a part of me. That part of me wishes to say goodbye to a man whom he owes his life and his future. Now get out of our way and quit making a scene.” I pushed past him roughly, shoving him aside with my shoulder so that I could reach the mostly empty front row. Typically, there would be family members here, but there didn’t seem to be any the sage’s could fine. The only person was a young woman close to my age, the other man’s apprentice. I’d met her only once, and we’d said very little to each other beside a greeting. I sat down beside her, leaving Vajra in the isle looking around at the eyes that followed him. He looked up at me, catching my eye before he placed one large paw onto my lap. As he leaped upward, his form shifted mid-jump shadowed momentarily by a black haze and the sound of clinking chains before he landed lightly on my lap as a black cat. “I’m sorry.” He whispered, his deep voice no doubt catching the ears of many close by. “It’s fine.” I placed a hand on his back while he curled up, looking over to the girl momentarily before his eyes locked on the coffin. 

From there out, we sat quietly, gazing at the box directly in front of us with unchanging and unreadable expressions, despite the turmoil and heartache within. He was my master, yes, but he was also like a second father to me. I loved him like one, and I will mourn him just as I mourned my real father, with silence and tears. The main service ended and we were allowed to bring to them any flowers or parting gifts before they were lowered into the water gently, where they were guided by boats to where they would rest for the rest of eternity. Vajra had lay on my shoulder throughout the cast-off process, and remained there as I moved to exit the building. I found my path blocked by the six sages. “You-“

“are no longer welcome in your temple?” I finished for them. “That’s fine. The only thing keeping me there just floated away in a box. I’ll grab my possessions and leave.” I made to walk past them, but one of them put a hand on my shoulder. “Your things are here.” Vajra tensed on my shoulder. My rapier was shoved into my chest roughly, still inside its black scabbard. It was followed by a bag with my normal clothing. I shook the bag lightly. “My chain?” they exchanged nervous glances, and Vajra jumped from my shoulder, landing in front of them as he started to change. They widened the distance instantly, and the leopard stood, his back turned toward them with the chain in question wrapped around his neck loosely. I took it from his neck and put it around my own, letting it hang like a scarf as Vajra walked past them, clearing the way for me as they avoided him like their life depended on it. “Thank you for your extended hospitality over the last few years. I will not forget it. May your lives be long and prosperous.” I bowed quickly before righting myself and following the leopard out, across the bridge and over to the edge of the rock, where I fell heavily, raking through my hair with my right hand. “What will we do now?” Vajra asked, laying down behind me, leaning his side into my back. 

“We’re going to do some research on what he left us, then we’re going to leave.” 

“To where?”

“Wherever.”